Hit-and-run accidents are crimes that can be deadly, as the people injured will not receive the prompt medical care they need. In urban Oakland, hit-and-run incidents are a growing concern. The most recent year data is available, Oakland had 451 reported hit-and-run accidents, while Alameda County as a whole had 1,189.
As a hit-and-run accident victim, you will face unique challenges during the insurance claims process. You will not have the at-fault driver’s insurance company available without identifying the driver. It is in your best interest to hire a personal injury attorney in Oakland who specializes in hit-and-run accidents to represent you during the legal process.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents in Oakland
According to California Vehicle Code § 20002, it is against the law for a driver involved in a car accident to drive away without stopping, exchanging information and rendering aid. This is a misdemeanor in California that can be upgraded to a felony if someone is seriously injured or killed.
Hit-and-run accidents in Oakland can describe vehicle-to-vehicle collisions as well as a driver hitting a bicyclist or pedestrian and speeding off without stopping. High-risk areas in Oakland for hit-and-run accidents include city intersections and downtown areas. The most dangerous intersection in the city in terms of collisions is 73rd Avenue and International Boulevard.
Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Oakland
Oakland’s urban environment lends itself to tragedies like hit-and-run accidents. These collisions take place most often in heavy traffic conditions, at night when visibility is low, and when drivers engage in dangerous and reckless behaviors.
Common causes of hit-and-runs include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Drivers with suspended licenses
- Fear of legal consequences
- Undocumented immigrants fearing deportation
- Panic reaction after an accident
- Involvement in a stolen car or other criminal activity
- Distracted driving leading to unnoticed impacts
When a hit-and-run is reported in Oakland, the police will report to the scene to investigate. They may rely on traffic camera and surveillance footage, witness statements, analysis of property damage and vehicle debris, descriptions of the suspect’s vehicle, and community outreach to try to identify the driver.
Serious Injuries Common in Oakland Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run is such a dangerous crime because it often leaves crash victims behind, potentially unconscious or trapped inside vehicles and without prompt medical care. These victims have to wait until someone else finds them for paramedics to be called. Sadly, this can be too late.
Hit-and-run collisions can cause many serious injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and soft-tissue damage
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and road rash
- Amputations
- Psychological trauma and emotional distress
- Permanent disabilities
- Fatal injuries and wrongful death
Moving on from a hit-and-run accident in Oakland can be easier with the financial compensation you need to pay for your required medical care, both now and in the future.
Insurance Coverage Options for Oakland Hit-and-Run Victims
California is a fault state, meaning the driver or person at fault for an automobile accident is held liable, or responsible for paying. In a hit-and-run crash, the at-fault party may remain unidentified, making it more difficult for an injured victim to recover fair financial compensation.
As a victim of a hit-and-run in Oakland, it is important to understand your legal options, which may include:
- Your own uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage
- Medical payment coverage on your own policy
- Health insurance coordination with a car insurance claim
- California’s low-cost auto insurance program
- Holding a third party responsible, such as a company or vehicle manufacturer
A successful insurance claim or lawsuit following a hit-and-run accident in Oakland could pay for your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost capacity to earn, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage to your vehicle, and wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one.
Why You Need a Specialized Oakland Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
Not just any attorney will be the right one for your Oakland hit-and-run case. Take the time to research your options and choose the ideal Oakland car accident lawyer for your specific circumstances.
The best attorney for your hit-and-run claim will have:
- Knowledge of Oakland’s traffic patterns and high-risk areas
- Experience with uninsured motorist claims
- Understanding of the Oakland Police Department’s procedures
- Relationships with local investigators and experts
- Access to surveillance and traffic camera resources
- Track record of successful hit-and-run settlements
- Familiarity with Alameda County courts and local procedures
- Resources to conduct independent investigations
You should be able to count on your attorney to handle the legal process from start to finish, from crash investigation and claims filing to insurance settlement negotiations or litigation in the Alameda County courts.
Steps to Take After Being a Victim of a Hit-and-Run in Oakland
If you get hurt in an accident where the other driver flees the scene without stopping, it is important to take the correct steps to protect your physical health and legal rights. What you do and do not do in the aftermath of your collision can affect your financial recovery options.
If you can, perform the following actions:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Report the accident to the Oakland Police Department.
- Document the accident scene if possible by taking pictures.
- Gather witness contact information.
- Record all details about the fleeing vehicle.
- Cooperate with the police during crash investigation.
- Notify your car insurance company promptly.
- Avoid discussing the case on social media or with others.
- Contact an Oakland hit-and-run accident attorney.
As soon as you contact an attorney, he or she can initiate a claim for you while you focus on healing from your injuries. Your lawyer will make sure your claim is filed before any important California deadlines pass.
Contact Jacoby & Meyers 24/7 for a Free Hit-and-Run Case Consultation in Oakland
If you were hurt in a recent hit-and-run accident in Oakland or the surrounding area, the attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers can help you seek justice and maximum financial compensation through all available sources.
We are experts in automotive accident law and have been voted #1 Personal Injury Firm five years in a row. Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us a dime if we don’t win your case.
Jacoby & Meyers is committed to fighting for Oakland hit-and-run victims’ rights. Find out how we can help you during a free initial consultation. Contact us online or call (510) 616-9169 today.
Our Oakland Office
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Oakland
66 Franklin St Suite 300,
Oakland, CA 94607